Recent international diplomacy has seen a Ukrainian envoy’s visit to South Africa, an event that has stirred conversations about South Africa’s foreign policy directions.
The visit, part of Ukraine’s broader effort to build new alliances, has highlighted contrasts in diplomatic priorities between political parties and brought to light varying opinions on South Africa’s stance amid global conflicts. From historical ties to modern political statements, the journey reflects a complex landscape of relationships and reactions across Africa and within South Africa itself.
Ukrainian diplomat Andriy Sybiha recently visited South Africa, reportedly engaging in discussions that touched upon potential arms acquisitions and broader cooperative measures. His visit has sparked speculation over Ukraine’s intentions and whether they signal an effort to bring South Africa closer to its position regarding the ongoing conflict with Russia.
As Sybiha explored potential collaboration, the visit underscored Ukraine’s diplomatic push to expand its reach in Africa, yet it also highlighted South Africa’s delicate position in maintaining neutrality on global issues. Given South Africa’s traditional approach to peaceful diplomacy, any move closer to Ukraine could alter its established diplomatic standing.
South Africa has historically maintained a balanced, non-aligned stance, reflecting a foreign policy that avoids entanglement in international disputes, particularly among powerful blocs. The country’s membership in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) underscores this policy, where its alignment has predominantly been with fellow BRICS nations rather than with Western alliances. Ukraine and South Africa have had limited direct engagement, as South Africa’s focus has typically been on intra-African relations and issues that resonate within the continent. This backdrop makes Sybiha’s visit all the more notable, as it hints at Ukraine’s interest in deepening ties in Africa despite limited historical foundations.
In the wake of Sybiha’s visit, South Africa’s political parties have expressed varied opinions. Notably, Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen’s strong statements in front of President Ramaphosa proclaimed that “Russia is not an ally of our nation.”
This direct approach contrasts sharply with the government’s historically cautious stance, drawing both interest and criticism from various corners of South African society. While some view the DA’s bold stance as progressive and aligned with Western views, others find it surprising, given the government’s established reluctance to choose sides in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Nonetheless, Ramaphosa’s administration has shown little indication of diverging from South Africa’s traditional non-alignment, with recent comments by ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula suggesting that Ramaphosa will not pursue a visa-free agreement with Ukraine. This division within the leadership underscores South Africa’s complex foreign policy landscape, where neutrality has been a longstanding guiding principle.
Interestingly, as Sybiha held talks in South Africa, high-ranking officials from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) were reportedly in Moscow discussing security matters. This parallel visit by SANDF generals serves as a poignant reminder of South Africa’s enduring ties with Russia, an alliance forged during the anti-apartheid struggle and solidified through BRICS cooperation.
The timing of these two visits — one from a Ukrainian diplomat seeking closer ties and another by South African generals conferring with Russian officials — illustrates the diplomatic balancing act South Africa faces. It highlights the complexity of maintaining neutrality while being influenced by the evolving dynamics of international alliances.
South Africa’s diplomatic approach toward the Russia-Ukraine conflict stands in stark contrast to recent developments in countries such as Mali and Burkina Faso, where diplomatic relations with Ukraine have deteriorated.
Both nations have cut ties with Ukraine, fueled by suspicions of external interference and perceived support for local opposition groups. These tensions have made Ukraine’s standing in certain parts of Africa more tenuous. Ukraine’s reputation has suffered in the Sahel region, where suspicions around alleged support for destabilizing elements have cast a shadow over its diplomatic engagements. This backdrop serves as a cautionary example of how quickly diplomatic relationships can sour when trust is undermined, especially in regions facing internal challenges.
The Ukrainian foreign minister’s visit to South Africa highlights a complex and evolving diplomatic landscape, where Ukraine’s efforts to forge new alliances in Africa are met with both interest and resistance. Although the DA’s recent statements signal a desire for a shift in South Africa’s foreign policy, the government’s commitment to non-alignment appears unshaken.
South Africa’s tradition of neutrality, coupled with its strong BRICS connections, suggests that any dramatic realignment is unlikely. In light of recent diplomatic fractures between Ukraine and several African nations, Sybiha’s visit appears to have underscored Ukraine’s limited progress in winning over African partners.
The visit to South Africa, while a diplomatic gesture, may ultimately remain a symbolic endeavour. For Ukraine, this trip was perhaps a learning moment rather than a diplomatic success, as Africa’s complex loyalties and South Africa’s stance on neutrality present challenges to any efforts for deeper alignment.
